Explore Citizen Science

On April 8, 2024, join us from 2:30 - 3:30 to safely view the solar eclipse!

Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be given FREE to the first 200 attendees! Limit 1 pair per person. 

For a different view, a properly outfitted telescope will be at each location. 

Add to your day by making eclipse chalk art - we'll provide what you need - and snap a pic at our photo backdrop!

Locations:

• Palatka Campus courtyard

• Orange Park Campus courtyard next to the Library

• St. Augustine campus boardwalk deck

This event is free and open to the public!

Pick up a pair of eclipse viewing glasses at a campus library April 3 - 8!

Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be given FREE to the first 400 visitors by request! Visit the Circulation Desk to request a pair - limit 1 pair per person.

Solar eclipse viewing glasses were provided to the SJR State Library by the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) program.

Watch online with NASA! 

Register to watch the total solar eclipse with NASA and receive solar eclipse resources from NASA for free!

Only look directly at the eclipse through solar eclipse viewing glasses or a properly filtered telescope.

If you don't have access to solar eclipse viewing glasses or a properly filtered telescope, use an indirect projection measure to view the eclipse - you can build your own!

• Use a box and tin foil to create a viewer

• Use a shoebox to create a pinhole viewer

You can even use a colander or an index card with a hole punched in it to view the eclipse. With the Sun behind you, pass sunlight through the colander or index card and a solar image will project onto a nearby surface (for example, another card, a wall, or the ground). Do NOT look at the Sun through the colander or card! Keep the Sun behind you.

(Image Credit: John Lord)

Why is it not safe to look at the Sun even when only a small part of it is visible?

As NASA explains, "The rods and cones in the human retina are very sensitive to light. Normally during daylight conditions, the iris contracts so that only a small, safe amount of light passes through the lens and then reaches the retina. However, the Sun’s surface is so bright that even a thin sliver of its light can still damage the eye if you were to look directly at it. When exposed to direct sunlight, retinal cells will become damaged, sometimes permanently. This can happen even after a quick glance at the Sun so it is very important to never look at the Sun directly. To look at the Sun, use solar viewing glasses or a property-equipped telescope."

Is it safe to view the eclipse wearing sunglasses?

No. As NASA explains, "Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun" even during an eclipse.

Can I safely view the eclipse using my phone or a camera?

Do not use the view finder on your phone or a camera to view the eclipse - you can hurt your eyes and your camera's sensor! Use a specialized eclipse filter between your camera and the Sun if you must snap a pic. But to truly take in the eclipse, experience it with your own eyes safely protected by solar eclipse viewing glasses.  

Also, "do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury." - NASA

Make an eclipse model

Participate in the Eclipse Soundscapes Citizen Science Project

Become an Apprentice to understand:

• Important eclipse terms: annularity, totality, eclipse maximum, Path of Annularity, Path of Totality
• Why solar eclipses happen
• 4 different kinds of solar eclipses
• The difference between an Annular Solar Eclipse and a Total Solar Eclipse
• How eclipses affect nature
• Solar eclipse safety information

Become an Observer (free online training required) to:

• Observe & Take Field Notes during the eclipse
  • TIME: Observer at least 10 minutes before, during, and at least 10 minutes after eclipse maximum during the solar eclipse.
  • LOCATION: record your observation latitude & longitude (DD format),
• After the eclipse submit your Observations & location info via the online form

Participate in the GLOBE Eclipse Citizen Science Project